The United States has resumed its previously paused visa process for international students with new criteria. In the revised procedures, social media activity has become a key factor in background checks. The new visa regulations were introduced following concerns that some students studying in the U.S. had participated in protests in support of countries considered adversarial to the U.S., and had taken anti-American stances while on American soil.

Last year, after pro-Palestinian student protests erupted across U.S. college campuses, the U.S. government adopted a stricter policy regarding student visas.

According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, any student planning to study in the U.S. must ensure their social media accounts are not locked or private, as such accounts will not be considered valid for visa screening. Under U.S. State Department guidelines: “Strict social media screening will help assess the eligibility of every individual seeking entry into our country appropriately.”

If visa applicants have their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or similar social media accounts set to private—where only followers can see their content—they are now required to make these accounts public. If your social media is locked, your visa may be denied. Future visa approvals or rejections may be based on the content found in an applicant’s online presence.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu issued a statement clarifying that all applicants for non-immigrant student visas under categories F, M, or J must change the privacy settings of their personal social media accounts to public. This is to facilitate identity verification and eligibility assessment for U.S. entry. The embassy also stated that each visa decision is a matter of national security, and applicants’ behavior on social media will be scrutinized accordingly.

The tightening of social media screening began after the U.S. State Department issued directives last week to resume new student visa interview appointments. These directives included strict guidelines on social media transparency. According to instructions sent last Wednesday to embassies and consulates, applicants who keep their accounts in private mode may face visa rejection.

Last month, the U.S. had suspended new visa appointments for international students. This was seen as a diplomatic move following allegations—particularly from the Trump administration—that university campuses were fostering antisemitic sentiments and other national security concerns.

An internal directive signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio specified that applicants’ online presence would be reviewed, and the new procedures would take effect five days later—meaning these rules have been fully implemented since last week. Screening will not be limited to social media but will also cover all forms of online presence, such as publications and database listings. Applicants’ written articles, news mentions, and opinion pieces are also now subject to review.

These stricter measures apply to both first-time and repeat student visa applicants.

Since the main period for student visa processing typically falls between May and August, the temporary pause in the process had created confusion among many students. However, according to the U.S. State Department, the goal is not simply to tighten visa rules but to identify any signs of hostility toward American citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles among applicants.

Applicants with a history of supporting foreign terrorist groups, posing threats to U.S. national security, endorsing or participating in antisemitic abuse or violence, or engaging in radical political activity are specifically being flagged for closer scrutiny. Visa officers are also instructed to assess whether such political behavior is likely to continue after entry into the U.S., and if so, the visa can be revoked at any time.

According to international news reports, thousands of student visas have already been revoked for individuals who were found participating in recent protests or engaging in activities that contradicted U.S. policies.